Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Shoreline, WA: $33.10 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Shoreline, WA runs $33.10 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $68,841 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Shoreline's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.82 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,308 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Shoreline, Washington, the physical therapist assistant hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $33.10 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $33.77. This rate offers a solid foundation for those seeking part-time roles—like a 3-day workweek—which would facilitate an estimated gross income of about $25,000 annually for 24 hours of work each week. The hourly compensation also presents opportunities for per-diem positions, with payments reflecting local standards across various environments such as outpatient clinics, rehabilitation facilities, home health, and pediatric therapy. The pay range for this profession varies significantly, from around $22.60 for entry-level positions to $42.98 for top earners, indicating a diverse job market in Shoreline where experience and specialization can greatly influence earnings.
About the Shoreline Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.60 | $180.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.32 | $226.58 |
| Median (P50) | $33.10 | $264.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.02 | $304.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.98 | $343.86 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Shoreline
Based on $33.10/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.10/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Shoreline, WA can expect to earn approximately $68,847 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,720. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Shoreline.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Shoreline
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,323.98 | $5,737 | $68,847 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $794.39 | $3,442 | $41,308 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $529.59 | $2,295 | $27,539 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Shoreline) | $33.10 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.65 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (National Avg) | $33.15 |
| Athletic Trainer (National Avg) | $27.85 |
| Massage Therapist (National Avg) | $27.10 |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Shoreline, WA earn a median of $68,841 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.00% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 0.30% above the Washington state average of $68,636.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.10/hr = $41,308/year (purchasing power: $38,462).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $68,847/year (purchasing power: $64,104).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$27.70/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.22/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.10/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Shoreline (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.70/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.16/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.83/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.58/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.19/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.29/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.22/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.10/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.00/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Shoreline grew 16.3% from $27.70/hr (2019) to $32.22/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.00/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem physical therapist assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Shoreline metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.73% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Physical Therapist Assistant in Shoreline
Exploring the earning potential further, part-time physical therapist assistants working 24 hours a week might find themselves bringing home less than their full-time counterparts, yet the flexibility can provide distinct advantages. Generally, per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Shoreline ranges between $32 and $48 per hour, with travel contracts offering an attractive weekly earning potential of $1,200 to $1,800. However, it's essential to note that the Medicare reimbursement cuts from 2022 have influenced pay rates in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), typically the most affected sector in terms of stable salaries. Those in outpatient orthopedic clinics or home health agencies may experience less volatility in hourly rates. When negotiating salaries, a physical therapist assistant in Shoreline should weigh the benefits of health insurance and job stability against potentially higher hourly rates without financial security; finding the right employer relationship is key to the chaparral of hourly work in this field.
More salary data for Shoreline, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Shoreline in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Shoreline?
Are physical therapist assistants in Shoreline paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Shoreline?
Do physical therapist assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Shoreline?
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Written by Jordan Lee, DPT
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in outpatient physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Jordan works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for physical therapist assistants in Shoreline. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Shoreline is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.73%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physical therapist assistants (SOC 31-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov